Mexico: Information on the size and ethnic composition of the homosexual community in the Isthmus Region of Oaxaca state, and on specific locations in the region where homosexuals are concentrated

The information that follows was obtained in an 8 February 1996 telephone interview with the general coordinator of the Circulo Cultural Gay (Gay Cultural Circle) of Mexico City, which the source described as Mexico's main and largest homosexual organization.

There is no precise data on the number, ethnic composition or specific areas of concentration of homosexuals in Oaxaca or Mexico. The male homosexual population in Mexico is estimated to be approximately ten per cent of the total male population. This percentage is probably similar in Oaxaca and the Isthmus Region (Región del Istmo). What makes this region and the south of Veracruz state different and has contributed to the "myth" of these being homosexual havens is that there is greater tolerance of homosexuals there than in the rest of the country. There is even a homosexual festival in the locality of Juchitan. However, this does not necessarily mean that homosexuals cannot face problems resulting from their sexual orientation; although no murders of homosexuals have occurred in the Isthmus Region recently, there are frequent cases of intolerance, as it continues to be a predominantly "patriarchal" society.

The source stated that bisexuality is "very common" in Oaxaca, particularly in the coastal areas of the isthmus and in the centre of the state. The beach areas also have a significant number of tourists, which results in greater social and sexual activity involving bisexuals and homosexuals.

However, many men who engage in sexual activity with homosexuals (transvestites or other) are often reluctant or unlikely to admit that they are bisexual or that they have any homosexual tendencies. Many men resort to transvestite prostitutes for their "sexual initiation," and many older men who claim to be "straight" also purchase their sexual services.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below a list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Reference

        Circulo Cultural Gay, Mexico City. 8 February 1996. Telephone interview with general coordinator.

Additional Sources Consulted

        Euro-letter [Copenhagen]. Irregular frequency.

FBIS Latin American Daily Report [Washington, DC].

IGLHRC Action Alert [San Francisco, Calif.]. Irregular frequency.

ILGA Bulletin [San Francisco, Calif.]. Bi-monthly.

Latinamerica Press [Lima]. Weekly.

Latin American Regional Reports: Mexico & NAFTA Report [London, UK]. Monthly.

Latin American Weekly Report [London, UK].

Mexico NewsPak [Austin, Tex.]. Bi-weekly.

News from Americas Watch [New York]. Monthly.

Newspapers and periodicals pertaining to the appropriate region.

On-line searches of news articles (NEXIS and Infosouth newsbanks).

DOCViews (IRB), HCRViews (UNHCR) and INSViews (USINS) databases.

Note:

This list is not exhaustive. Country-specific books available in the Resource Centre are not included.